Explosions near police’s criminal investigations department HQ followed by exchange of gunfire
Loud explosions and gunfire shook the Somali capital Mogadishu on Sunday, close to a busy road in the city center, an AFP correspondent said.
According to local media, two explosions took place near the police’s criminal investigations department headquarters, followed by an exchange of gunfire.
There was no immediate information on casualties or claim of responsibility.
The blasts came just days after at least 13 people were killed in twin bombings near Mogadishu Airport that happened close to UN and African Union buildings.
That attack was claimed by Shabaab militants fighting to overthrow Somalia’s internationally-backed government.
The Shabaab were forced out of the capital five years ago but continue to carry out regular attacks on military, government and civilian targets.
In recent months they have claimed attacks on military bases as well as civilian targets including hotels.
This year is considered critical for the group, which is eager to disrupt an expected change of government due in the coming months.
RELATED News
‘Two blasts, heavy gunfire’ heard in Somalia capital
Two loud blasts, followed by heavy gunfire, have been heard in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu.
The al-Shabab group claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday.
The Reuters news agency said seven people, including two attackers, had been killed, citing police.
“A fighter rammed a suicide car bomb into CID then other armed fighters stormed inside. We are now fighting inside the CID building,” Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabab’s military operations spokesman, told the Reuters news agency.
Somalia’s Internal Security Minister, Abdirizak Mohamed, tweeted: “After 2 explosions 3 AS attackers who tried to enter the CID were killed, no casualties on our forces, will update you on civilian casualties”Twitter users posted images and footage of what appeared to be smoke billowing up over the city.
Another bomb attack today in #Mogadishu. Heavy bomb and attack ongoing at the CID HQ. pic.twitter.com/dbOcaLnR8p
— M.Mubarak (@somalianalyst) July 31, 2016
Al-Shabab group wants to topple the government and frequently attacks security forces and civilians.
Sunday’s blasts came less than a week after an attack on African Union troops near Mogadishu’s main airport that killed 13 people.
That attack was also claimed by al-Shabab.
RELATED TWEETS
#UPDATE: At least 7 people, including 2 attackers, killed in attack on Somalia's CID headerquarters https://t.co/0rGZYmZNv4
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) July 31, 2016
BREAKING: Al-Shabab claims Mogadishu attack, says "fighter rammed a suicide car bomb into CID building" https://t.co/BzwojpTZqy
— Al Jazeera News (@AJENews) July 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/SputnikInt/status/759655975695572993
